Good News: Women Up to Age 45 Are Now Eligible for the HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine first hit the market in 2006, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccine for adolescents — especially girls — until age 26. HPV causes an annual average of 33,700 cancers, according to the CDC, and the vaccine has proved to be effective at preventing most of these cancers from developing.

But what about the people who were older than 26 after the vaccine was released? Even for those who were eligible at the time, HPV vaccination took a while to become “the norm,” and many young adults became ineligible before knowing the benefits of getting the HPV vaccine. Luckily, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated guidelines of the HPV vaccine, and many people who previously missed their opportunity might have another chance.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts